8 off the Beaten Path Things to Do in Austin

July 9, 2015
/ by Travefy

Austin, Texas is home to many things, clean air, good food, brews, and keepin’ it weird. In Austin, there’s an unlimited amount of things to see, eat, drink, and do, and everything in between. To help make the most of your time in the stirring city, here is eight things to do that are sure to supply you with a good time.

1. Discover the best Tex-Mex

Tex-mex is an Austin, Texas delicacy, giving a Texan twist on Mexican food. We’ll let you decide for yourself who holds the Tex-Mex championship by trying tacos and other local fare at El Taquito, Tamale House East, Joe’s Bakery and Shop, and Habanero’s Mexican Cafe. All share a similar quality of deep Mexican flavor, but with their own spin on how they define “Tex-Mex”.

2. Shop Uncommon Objects or the City-Wide Garage Sale

Shop for one-of-a-kind items at Uncommon Objects. Upon walking into the store, you will be greeted with creativity and uniqueness, and wander through the store eyeing, with lack of a better term, uncommon objects. From crazy taxidermy, vintage dolls, extraordinary artwork, and rare trinkets of all sorts.

If one shopping trip wasn’t enough, continue the hunt for vintage buys at the City-Wide Garage Sale. This garage sale is unlike any typical driveway sale you’ve ever seen. Covering entire convention centers and showcasing multiple vendors. Be sure to check the calendar and see what events will be going on while you’re in town here.

3. Line dance in history at Broken Spoke

It just wouldn’t be a Texas visit without taking in a little country music. Visited by many famous stars, especially country legends, the Broken Spoke is known as the longest living country dance hall in Texas. Founded in 1964, this hall still features nightly live music and you might even catch an up-and-coming star play too! The Dixie Chicks and George Straite played there when they were just starting out.

4. Grab a cold beer at the Dry Creek Cafe

Among million dollar mansions nearby, go off the beaten path and hit the Dry Creek Cafe dive bar. The hours are limited, 4:00-9:00 pm, and they only take cash, but it’s totally worth the trip as it’s the perfect place to have a cold one, see beautiful scenery, and catch the sunset.

5. Have a drink at the historic Driskill Hotel

The Driskill Hotel is famous for many reasons – historic charm, potentially haunted, and even has a suite dedicated to the President and First Lady, Lyndon and Lady Bird Johnson. Visit the hotel and walk around to admire its beauty or grab a cocktail and enjoy live entertainment.

6. Study history at the Harry Ransom Center or The Bullock Museum

Visit the Harry Ransom Center on the University of Texas campus and check out rare exhibits including their permanent exhibit of the Gutenberg Bible and research the archives of writer David Foster Wallace’s notes and papers.

If you’re itching for more history and entertainment, visit The Bullock Museum for exhibits that tell the story of Texas. You can also catch a flick on the in-house IMAX screen.

7. Have a breakfast that’s out of this world

Step back in time and have yourself a far out breakfast! Biscuits and Groovy is a food stand that is sure to beat any breakfast craving. Try “The Johnny Hash” and one of the delicious homemade jam flavors. Best of all? This joint is open until 2:00 pm, so you can get breakfast for lunch if you wish!

8. Finger lickin’ good BBQ at Rudy’s.

Sure Austin caters appetizing tex-mex to the city, but what about the BBQ in town? BBQ is a solid southern treat and Rudy’s is nothing short of that. At Rudy’s you’ll get what most people claim as “the best BBQ I’ve ever had” and endless bread along with your meal.

Did we leave out an Austin place you love? Leave it in a comment below!